2024: Bioresources in Food and Nutrition for a Healthier Future

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"Bioresources in Food and Nutrition for a Healthier Future" embodies a forward-looking perspective on the utilization of natural resources to address the growing global demand for nutritious and sustainable food. This thematic approach integrates principles of biodiversity conservation, bioeconomy, and nutritional science to foster innovation in food production, enhance dietary diversity, and promote human health and well-being.

At its core, this subtheme recognizes the intrinsic value of biological resources – including plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine life – as vital components of the food system. It emphasizes the sustainable management and utilization of these resources to ensure their long-term viability while meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population.

Central to this approach is the concept of bioeconomy, which seeks to maximize the value derived from biological resources through innovative technologies and processes. From bioprospecting and genetic engineering to biorefining and valorization of by-products, bioresources are harnessed in novel ways to create value-added food products, ingredients, and supplements that contribute to human health and nutrition.

Furthermore, this subtheme emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in food and nutrition security. By promoting the conservation of diverse ecosystems and the genetic diversity of food crops, livestock, and aquatic species, it seeks to safeguard the resilience of the food system against environmental threats and ensure access to a wide range of nutrient-rich foods.

In the context of nutrition, bioresources play a crucial role in addressing malnutrition and diet-related diseases by providing a diverse array of nutrient-dense foods and functional ingredients. This includes the incorporation of underutilized and indigenous food crops, traditional foods, and wild-harvested species into diets, as well as the development of fortified foods and bioactive compounds to address specific nutritional needs.

Moreover, this subtheme recognizes the interconnectedness of food systems with human health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches that consider the complex interactions between food production, consumption, and health outcomes, as well as the social and cultural dimensions of food.

In essence, "Bioresources in Food and Nutrition for a Healthier Future" represents a holistic and integrative approach to food systems transformation, grounded in principles of sustainability, equity, and resilience. By harnessing the potential of biological resources and fostering innovation across the food value chain, it holds the promise of creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Published: 2024-04-26

Bioresources in Food and Nutrition for a Healthier Future